The Nationals are believed willing to include multiple top prospects, basically almost anybody short of Stephen Strasburg or Bryce Harper. That could mean Brad Peacock, Derek Norris, Destin Hood, Eury Perez and A.J. Cole. Peacock and Norris are probably their third- and fourth-best prospects. Hood and Perez are outfielders, Oakland's biggest need.

It's possible Washington could be enticed to include young shortstop Ian Desmond, although that is uncertain.

Washington has been determined to land a left-hander. It missed out on Mark Buehrle earlier.